Better to Worse to BETTER Revelation

Matthew 12:43-45 NLT

“When an evil spirit leaves a person, it goes into the desert, seeking rest but finding none.  Then it says, ‘I will return to the person I came from.’ So it returns and finds its former home empty, swept, and in order.  Then the spirit finds seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they all enter the person and live there. And so that person is worse off than before. That will be the experience of this evil generation.”

I often hear from others that when they give their lives, hearts, and struggles to God - finally laying it down - that things get better but only for a little while and after that short while, things seem to get worse; worse than even what they were before. This scripture makes it even more clear for me for why that happens. There is a continuous attack on our identity, purpose, and will. It swings hard over and over, getting stronger and more forceful, more vengeful, with each swing, hoping to ultimately conquer its victim. I believe the moral of this scripture is to NOT GIVE UP, KEEP SWINGING BACK, AND STAND FIRM IN YOUR FAITH AND KNOWLEDGE OF WHO YOUR GOD IS! We will win because God has already won!

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Mark 4:3-9, 14-20 NLT

“Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seed.  As he scattered it across his field, some of the seed fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate it.  Other seed fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seed sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow.  But the plant soon wilted under the hot sun, and since it didn’t have deep roots, it died.  Other seed fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants so they produced no grain.  Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they sprouted, grew, and produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted!”  Then he said, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.” The farmer plants seed by taking God’s word to others.  The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message, only to have Satan come at once and take it away.  The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy.  But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word.  The seed that fell among the thorns represents others who hear God’s word,  but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things, so no fruit is produced.  And the seed that fell on good soil represents those who hear and accept God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!”

Encouraging Pastor Warren, His Family, and His Church

Interested in encouraging and helping Pastor Rick Warren (who recently lost his son), his family, and his church? You can!

Statement from Pastor Rick Warren:

Dear Friends,
Kay and I have been overwhelmed by your outpouring of love since Matthew’s tragic death. You are true friends, especially with the vitriol from haters we’ve received. Friends show up when others walk away.
If you missed what happened, click here to read my letter.

You’ve asked, “Is there anything we can do to help you?”

The answer is yes! We could use your help right now in FIVE PRACTICAL WAYS:

1. Sign a petition that urges educators, lawmakers, healthcare, and congregations to raise the awareness and lower the stigma of mental illness, and also to support families that are dealing with mental illness on a daily basis. Thanks for adding your voice!

2. Offer your help and prayers to those around you who are caring for mentally ill family and friends. They need your encouragement more than you realize

3. Fight mental illness with an online gift to The Matthew Warren Fund for Mental Health. Your gift is tax-deductible. Or, you may mail a check to
The Matthew Warren Fund
Saddleback Church
1 Saddleback Parkway
Lake Forest, CA 92630.

4. Send a note of encouragement and sympathy.

Pastor Warren's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pastorrickwarren
Pastor Warren's email: PastorRick@saddleback.com
Or mail a card to the above address.

5. PRAY

We are reading every note. We’d love to hear from you here on Facebook, or you can email us at PastorRick@saddleback.com. Your prayers and words continue to strengthen us.

Pastor Rick

Warren, Rick. "Join Us In the Fight Against Mental Illness." Saddleback Church. 13 April 2013. Web. 15 April 2013. .

Pastor Rick Warren's Son Passed Away

Pastor Rick Warren's son passed away Saturday after an unfortunate decision to commit suicide. I have never met Pastor Warren or his son but I respect him and his beliefs and have joyfully been subscribed to his daily email devotionals for several years. Please keep Pastor Warren, his family, and his church in your prayers.

http://news.yahoo.com/church-pastor-rick-warrens-son-commits-suicide-211206608.html

Father,

We lift up Pastor Warren, his family, and his church to you and pray in the name of Jesus for your healing power to cover them, guide them, and bring them through this as stronger and greater for your purposes. We ask that you fill them with supernatural strength, endurance, perseverance, courage, and encouragement. In their weakness, sadness, and misunderstanding, may they look to you. May they remain focused on you God, trust that you have their best interest at heart, and grow in unsurpassable ways. Father let them feel your holy presence. At a time when all eyes are on them Father, we pray that their faith will not fail and that their love and trust in you will shine even brighter. Father we pray against all spiritual attack, hindrances, and harm on the family in the name of Jesus and pray for your mighty protection over their minds, hearts, and bodies. We know you have a purpose in this that exceeds our knowledge and we trust in you God for you are good. Father thank you for your love and for answering our prayers. In Jesus' name, Amen.

June 16, 2012 (Wreck Anniversary Cont'd)

On June 16, 2005 I was in a near-fatal car wreck which left me paralyzed, broken in spirit, and confused about my purpose and life all together. It has been a difficult journey and I've had a lot of growing up to do but I would not be who I am had it not happened. I have been reconnected with my Savior and learned many invaluable lessons and revelations that prepare the way for my future and for who I was created to be.

In early May, I received an email requesting that I come share my story with a group of at-risk teens at the YMCA in McKinney, my hometown, on my 7th year wreck anniversary. I knew instantly that it was meant to be and without hesitation, accepted the request.

Part of what I shared with these teens is that we are the way we are because we were made for a specific purpose. We each have our own unique set of interests, talents, abilities, and life experiences which shape who we are. Which ones are unique to you and how can you use them to reach others? To rescue others? What have you overcame that others, who may have no direction, are still struggling with?

 

For me personally, I had a very difficult time fitting in when I was in school, I have had several experiences where I have been taken advantage of by friends and even guys, I have experienced losing almost all of my friends, I have had experience with drugs, and although I did not like to drink, I had a bad experience with alcohol which landed me in this chair. As for my interests, I enjoy speaking, being a leader, and helping others. And it is in these moments that I am living in accordance to the experiences, interests, and abilities that I have been given that I truly feel joy and feel that I am fulfilling my purpose. There is no greater feeling  and that is why I encourage you to take hold of what you have been given because everything that life is about is to constantly prepare you for your future.

May today mark a new beginning for all of us. Life is meant to be lived and we are meant to help others. Let's open our hearts and minds to our true purpose and actually living a life of purpose. Every day is an opportunity to learn, grow, produce, and bring about change. There are so many people that are lost, lonely, depressed, and in lack and there are just as many social problems in our world that need tackled. What have we been waiting for? A push? A shove? Count this as one. Let God use you. Help others. Love others. Forgive.

Father, We give you our hearts, our minds, our lives, and our relationships for Your purposes. Mold us God. Work in us. Speak to us. Lead us. Convict us. Open our eyes Lord so that we will see with Your vision. Reveal to us the hurting, the lonely, the broken-hearted, and those in need and how we can help. Provide us with opportunities to serve. May we stop living for the world and for ourselves and start living for you Lord. Forgive us God for our selfishness. Give us a kingdom mindset. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Luke 18:1-8 (NLT)

As I was spending time with God last night, I came across this scripture and it was exactly what I needed. Again, it is about persistence in praying. It can be difficult persistently asking anyone, especially God, for something. I know from personal experience. It makes your mind start wondering things that it shouldn't. This scripture proves that instead of feeling discouraged and defeated, we should fight the fight all the more. I hope this message blesses you and speaks to your heart.

Parable of the Persistent Widow


One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up. “There was a judge in a certain city,” he said, “who neither feared God nor cared about people. A widow of that city came to him repeatedly, saying, ‘Give me justice in this dispute with my enemy.’ The judge ignored her for a while, but finally he said to himself, ‘I don’t fear God or care about people, but this woman is driving me crazy. I’m going to see that she gets justice, because she is wearing me out with her constant requests!’”

Then the Lord said, “Learn a lesson from this unjust judge. Even he rendered a just decision in the end. So don’t you think God will surely give justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will grant justice to them quickly! But when the Son of Man returns, how many will he find on the earth who have [persistent] faith?”

"Luke 18 (New Living Translation)." Bible Gateway. Web. 5 May 2012. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%2018&version=NLT.

*Another great version of this scripture can be found in The Message: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%2018&version=MSG.

KEEP Asking & You Shall Receive; KEEP Seeking & You Shall Find

Many people are familiar with the "ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find" scripture but did you know that the scripture has an even deeper meaning? Persistence. I have included passages from Luke 11 (story also found in Matthew 7:7-8) and Jeremiah 29.

Luke 11:5-10 (NLT) – Then, teaching them more about prayer, [Jesus] used this story: “Suppose you went to a friend’s house at midnight, wanting to borrow three loaves of bread. You say to him, ‘A friend of mine has just arrived for a visit, and I have nothing for him to eat.’ And suppose he calls out from his bedroom, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is locked for the night, and my family and I are all in bed. I can’t help you.’ But I tell you this—though he won’t do it for friendship’s sake, if you keep knocking long enough, he will get up and give you whatever you need because of your shameless persistence. “And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.”

Jeremiah 29:11-14 (NIV) – For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back from captivity."

God has a reason for everything and His timing is always perfect. He is near. Is there a prayer or need that you keep asking for and seem to get no answer? Or is your need so big that you do not even bother asking for His help? I hope this encourages you to ask, seek, not give up, and be persistent! God is interested in you and every detail of your life. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6, NASB). And remember, God may just be answering "not yet." In waiting, we develop strength in who we are in Christ and also learn to trust not in ourselves but in God.

Great (short) devotionals by Rick Warren:

When God Says 'Wait'

The Difficulties While God Delays

God Wired Us to Be on Mission by Rick Warren

"Only those who give away their lives for my sake and for the sake of the Good News will ever know what it means to really live.” (Mark 8:35 TLB)

Why don’t we feel more fulfilled? Far too many people are asking themselves that question. We’re not happy, we’re not satisfied — in fact, we’re miserable.

Why? In his book Rich, Free, and Miserable, sociologist John Brueggemann shared a great story that illustrated why. Climbing Mount Everest is one of the challenges that inspire people to do something big. Lots of people try, even though nearly 10 percent of the people who do, die in the process. Many of the corpses still line the path up the mountain. Yet people still want to climb the mountain — though it has no real redeeming social value.

A few years back one climber, David Sharp, was clearly in trouble on the mountain. There were 40 climbers who noticed his obvious need but passed him that day. He died on Mount Everest because none of the other climbers were willing to put their personal goal on hold to help him.

That’s us. Our own personal drive to have more, be more, and do more causes us to lose sight of what really matters. But that isn’t how God wired us. Life isn’t about what you make, who you know, or what you do. Life is all about love — loving God and loving others.

Jesus tells us in Mark 8:35, "Only those who give away their lives for my sake and for the sake of the Good News will ever know what it means to really live” (TLB). God wired you in a way that you’ll never be happy unless you’re giving your life away in his work. You were made for something greater than yourself. The Bible calls this your mission in life. Significance doesn’t come from status, salary, or sex. It comes from service. Only by giving your life away can you feel that your life has significance.

Warren, Rick. "God Wired Us to Be on Mission." Daily Hope. 13 December 2011. Web. 13 December 13. http://purposedriven.com/blogs/dailyhope/index.html?contentid=9604.

Rick Warren's Daily Devotional

“Some men arrived carrying a paraplegic on a stretcher. They were looking for a way to get into the house and set him before Jesus. When they couldn't find a way in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof, removed some tiles, and let him down in the middle of everyone, right in front of Jesus. Impressed by their bold belief, he said, ‘Friend, I forgive your sins.’” (Luke 5:18-20 MSG)

You must believe God can work through you to reach people for Jesus.

No one is hopeless. When the four friends looked at the paralytic’s condition, they could have responded in doubt: What could Jesus do? Instead, they believed God could heal him — they had faith. The Bible said the paralytic’s sins were forgiven when Jesus saw the faith of the four friends.

There are people all around us who are paralyzed this Christmas season — not necessarily physically paralyzed, but a paralyzed faith. Whether they’re paralyzed by doubts, loneliness, fear, or anything else, the result is the same: They need the faith of the others.

Warren, Rick. "Your Faith Will Bring Them to Jesus." Daily Hope. 6 December 2011. Web. 6 December 2011. http://purposedriven.com/blogs/dailyhope/index.html?contentid=9549.

Hebrews 12:1-12 (CEV)

Such a large crowd of witnesses is all around us! So we must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially the sin that just won't let go. And we must be determined to run the race that is ahead of us. We must keep our eyes on Jesus, who leads us and makes our faith complete. He endured the shame of being nailed to a cross, because he knew that later on he would be glad he did. Now he is seated at the right side of God's throne! So keep your mind on Jesus, who put up with many insults from sinners. Then you won't get discouraged and give up. None of you have yet been hurt in your battle against sin.

But you have forgotten that the Scriptures say to God's children, "When the Lord punishes you, don't make light of it, and when he corrects you, don't be discouraged. The Lord corrects the people he loves and disciplines those he calls his own."

Be patient when you are being corrected! This is how God treats his children. Don't all parents correct their children? God corrects all of his children, and if he doesn't correct you, then you don't really belong to him. Our earthly fathers correct us, and we still respect them. Isn't it even better to be given true life by letting our spiritual Father correct us?

Our human fathers correct us for a short time, and they do it as they think best. But God corrects us for our own good, because he wants us to be holy, as he is. It is never fun to be corrected. In fact, at the time it is always painful. But if we learn to obey by being corrected, we will do right and live at peace.

Now stand up straight! Stop your knees from shaking and walk a straight path. Then lame people will be HEALED, instead of getting worse.

"Hebrews 12 (Contemporary English Version)." Biblegateway.com. Web. 26 June 2011. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=hebrews%2012&version=CEV.

AMEN & PRAISE GOD FOR GUIDING ME TO THIS VERSE!

Seeking a Feeling is Not Worship

David frequently complained of God's apparent absence; but, the truth is, God hadn't really left David, just as God will never leave you. He has promised repeatedly, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."

Yet God has not promised "you will always feel my presence." In fact, God admits that sometimes he hides his face from us. (Isaiah 45:15)

There are times when he appears to be MIA, missing-in-action, in your life.

Floyd McClung describes it: "You wake up one morning and all your spiritual feelings are gone. You pray, but nothing happens. You rebuke the devil, but it doesn't change anything. You go through spiritual exercises ... you have your friends pray for you ... you confess every sin you can imagine, then go around asking forgiveness of everyone you know. You fast ... still nothing. You begin to wonder how long this spiritual gloom might last. Days? Weeks? Months? Will it ever end?... it feels as if your prayers simply bounce off the ceiling. In utter desperation, you cry out, 'What's the matter with me?'" (Floyd McClung, Finding Friendship with God; Ann Arbor, MI: Vine Books, 1992; 186)

The truth is, there's nothing wrong with you! This is a normal part of the testing and maturing of your friendship with God. Every Christian goes through it at least once, and usually several times. It is painful and disconcerting, but it is absolutely vital for the development of your faith.

Knowing this gave Job hope when he could not feel God's presence in his life. He said, "I go east, but he is not there. I go west, but I cannot find him. I do not see him in the north, for he is hidden. I turn to the south, but I cannot find him. But he knows where I am going. And when he has tested me like gold in a fire, he will pronounce me innocent." (Job 23:7-10, NLT)

When God seems distant, you may feel that he is angry with you or is disciplining you for some sin. In fact, sin does disconnect us from intimate fellowship with God. We grieve God's Spirit and quench our fellowship with him by disobedience, conflict with others, busyness, friendship with the world, and other sins. (see Psalm 51; Ephesians 4:29-30; 1 Thessalonians 5:19; Jeremiah 2:32; 1 Corinthians 8:12; James 4:4)

But often this feeling of abandonment or estrangement from God has nothing to do with sin. It is a test of faith—one we all must face: Will you continue to love, trust, obey, and worship God, even when you have no sense of his presence or visible evidence of his work in your life?

Warren, Rick. "Seeking a Feeling is Not Worship." Purpose Driven Connection. Daily Hope, 9 July 2010. 21 March 2011. http://profile.purposedriven.com:80/dailyhope/post.html?contentid=4695

Encouragement to Read the Bible

If you are someone that believes the world will end in 2012, why not let that belief be the motivator that pushes you to read the Bible? When Jesus does return, I'm positive that He would like to know He means enough to us that we chose to read the book gracefully given to us that speaks about Jesus' coming, His nature, His teachings, His life, His sacrifice, and how much He loves us. Born to die... what a life. May we all find the time for God and His Word this year. A great way is listening to the Daily Audio Bible Podcast (also on ITunes). It is a podcast that goes through the Bible in a year. I did it last year and it had an amazing impact on me. Will you set aside 15 minutes of your day this year for God? I feel that it is the least we could do for Him. Good luck and let me know if you're in! There are extraordinary rewards when we seek Him and follow Him.

http://www.dailyaudiobiblemedia.com/player/dab.html

Ephesians

Today I have been busy studying for school but as I decided to take a break, I opened the word of God to Ephesians. What a wonderful book this is. It is very impowering and just what I needed. Thank you God. I wanted to share a few scriptures with you:

Living as Children of Light
Ephesians 4:17-32

So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.
You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. "In your anger do not sin:" Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

"Ephesians 4 (New International Version)." Biblegateway.com. 24 September 2010. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+4&version=NIV.

The Armor of God
Ephesians 6:10-18

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

"Ephesians 6 (New International Version)." Biblegateway.com. 24 September 2010. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+6&version=NIV.

God Says You Are Capable

It is he who saved us and chose us for his holy work not because we deserved it but because that was his plan long before the world began—to show his love and kindness to us through Christ. 2 Timothy 1:9 (TLB)

You have a right now to go directly to God; you have direct access. You don't have to pray through anybody else. You don't have to confess through anybody else. You don't have to go through anyone else to have fellowship with God. The Bible teaches that you have a direct line now.

In addition, God says you have been gifted for ministry to serve other people. Every Christian is a minister. That doesn’t mean every Christian is a pastor, rather minister. Anytime you're using your talents and gifts to help others you're ministering.

Notice the Bible verse above says, “He saved us for His holy work.” You are saved to serve. Why did God save you? So you could serve Him.

You may be thinking, “How do I know what my ministry is?” You look at your talents, your gifts, and your abilities. You look at how God shaped you. God wants you to use those talents and gifts to help other people. Every time you do that, that's called ministry: nothing fancy, scary or supernatural about it. It's just helping others.

Can you minister in a sales office? Yes, you can. Can you minister as an accountant? Yes, you can. Can you minister driving a truck? Sure! Anytime you're helping other people in His name, you're ministering.

In fact, God says you're necessary in the church. You're a necessary part of this family. Look at it this way, if I don't use my talents -- you get cheated. If you don't use your talents – I get cheated. Everybody else in the congregation gets cheated.

We're all important; we're all necessary to do our part as we fit together.

Wednesday September 01 2010 12:00 AM

Posted by Rick Warren

Thanks for Rating!

Warren, Rick. "God Says You Are Capable." Purpose Driven Connection. 1 September 2010.

"We have a lot to unlearn" - Daily Devotional

Thursday, June 10, 2010

We have a lot to unlearn by Rick Warren

The Lord your God will drive those nations out ahead of you little by little. You will not clear them away all at once .... Deuteronomy 7:22 (NLT)

Although God could instantly transform us, he has chosen to develop us slowly. Jesus is deliberate in developing his disciples. Just as God allowed the Israelites to take over the Promised Land "little by little," so they wouldn't be overwhelmed, he prefers to work in incremental steps in our lives.

Why does it take so long to change and grow up? There are several reasons --

• We are slow learners. We often have to relearn a lesson forty or fifty times to really get it. The problems keep recurring, and we think, "Not again! I've already learned that!"—but God knows better. The history of Israel illustrates how quickly we forget the lessons God teaches us and how soon we revert to our old patterns of behavior. We need repeated exposure.
  
• We have a lot to unlearn. Many people go to a counselor with a personal or relational problem that took years to develop and say, "I need you to fix me. I've got an hour." They naïvely expect a quick solution to a long-standing, deep-rooted difficulty. Since most of our problems—and all of our bad habits—didn't develop overnight, it's unrealistic to expect them go away immediately.
  

There is no pill, prayer, or principle that will instantly undo the damage of many years. It requires the hard work of removal and replacement. The Bible calls it "taking off the old self" and "putting on the new self." (Romans 13:12; Ephesians 4:22-25; Colossians 3:7-10, 14.)

Growth is often painful and scary. There is no growth without change; there is no change without fear or loss; and there is no loss without pain. We fear these losses, even if our old ways were self-defeating, because, like a worn out pair of shoes, they were at least comfortable and familiar.Every change involves a loss of some kind: You must let go of old ways in order to experience the new.

"A saved heart will want to serve" - Daily Devotional

"It is he who saved us and chose us for his holy work not because we deserved it but because that was his plan." 2 Timothy 1:9 (LB)

You were saved to serve God. The Bible says, "It is he who saved us and chose us for his holy work not because we deserved it but because that was his plan." (2 Timothy 1:9 LB)

God redeemed you so you could do his "holy work." You're not saved by service, but you are saved for service. In God's kingdom, you have a place, a purpose, a role, and a function to fulfill. This gives your life great significance and value.

It cost Jesus his own life to purchase your salvation. The Bible reminds us, "God paid a great price for you. So use your body to honor God." (1 Corinthians 6:20 CEV)

We don't serve God out of guilt or fear or even duty, but out of joy, and deep gratitude for what he's done for us. We owe him our lives. Through salvation our past has been forgiven, our present is given meaning, and our future is secured. In light of these incredible benefits Paul concluded, "Because of God's great mercy . . . Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to God, dedicated to his service." (Romans 12:1 TEV)

The apostle John taught that our loving service to others shows that we are truly saved. He said, "Our love for each other proves that we have gone from death to life." (1 John 3:14 CEV)

If I have no love for others, no desire to serve others, and I'm only concerned about my needs, I should question whether Christ is really in my life. A saved heart is one that wants to serve.

Tuesday June 01 2010 12:00 AM
Posted by Rick Warren

The Six Phases of Faith

"Then Jesus touched their eyes and said, "Let it happen, then, just as you believe!" Matthew 9:29 (TEV)

God takes our belief and he blesses us through it, and that makes life a great adventure. It is critical that we cooperate with God as he builds faith within us. Because of its importance, I want to review the six phases of faith we've studied over the past week. This will also let you see them all in one place.

Phase 1—Dream: Do I have a dream planted in me by God? If you don't have a dream, start praying, "God give me your dream." If you can't write down the dream God has given you, you need to be praying. If you don't have a dream, you're not living, you're just existing. God placed you on this earth for a purpose.

Phase 2—Decision: Do I need to make a faith-decision that will help that dream become a reality? Some of you have a dream from God, but you haven't made a decision to follow it. You're still on the fence. God's word for you is "Go for it!" Some of you may need to make the decision to give your life to Christ. Some of you may need to make the decision to join a church. Some of you may need to make the decision to get involved in ministry.

Phase 3—Delay: What has caused my dream to be delayed? If your prayer hasn't been answered, that's okay. It just means you're in God's waiting room. Now is not the time to detour. When things don't happen on our timetable, we tend to run ahead of God and create detours to make it happen. You may end up making the wrong decision. Wait, wait, and wait for God to work his hand.

Phase 4—Difficulty: What difficulties have I faced waiting for the dream to be fulfilled? You are being tested, but it's not going to be the last time. You'll go through many, many tests in life. God says, "I know exactly what you're going through. I see it. I'm watching. Don't think I've forgotten you—I haven't."

Phase 5—Dead End: Have I come to a dead end yet? Some of you are there ready to give up. But the truth is—you're right where God wants you. You're getting prepared for deliverance. God's word for you is "Hang on! Keep on believing! Don't give up!"

Phase 6—Deliverance: Do I expect and trust God to deliver me? "According to your faith will it be done to you." (Matthew 9:29 NIV) God is faithful. What he tells us to do, he will do. But it doesn't happen overnight. You go through the faith-phases of Dream, Decision, Delay, Difficulty, and Dead End . . . and then comes Deliverance.

Sunday May 30 2010 12:00 AM
Posted by Rick Warren
http://profile.purposedriven.com/dailyhope/post.html?contentid=4476

God Smiles When We Obey

God doesn't owe you an explanation or reason for everything he asks you to do. Understanding can wait, but obedience can't. Instant obedience will teach you more about God than a lifetime of Bible discussions. In fact, you will never understand some commands until you obey them first. Obedience unlocks understanding.

Often we try to offer God partial obedience. We want to pick and choose the commands we obey. We make a list of the commands we like and obey those while ignoring the ones we think are unreasonable, difficult, expensive, or unpopular. I'll attend church but I won't tithe. I'll read my Bible but I won't forgive the person who hurt me. Yet partial obedience is disobedience.

Wholehearted obedience is done joyfully with enthusiasm. The Bible says, "Obey him gladly" (Psalm 100:2 LB). This is the attitude of David: "Just tell me what to do and I will do it, Lord. As long as I live I'll wholeheartedly obey" (Psalm 119:33 LB).

James, speaking to Christians, said, "We please God by what we do and not only by what we believe" (James 2:24 CEV). God's Word is clear that you can't earn your salvation. It comes only by grace, not your effort. But as a child of God you can bring pleasure to your heavenly Father through obedience.

Any act of obedience is also an act of worship. Why is obedience so pleasing to God? Because it proves you really love him. Jesus said, "If you love me, you will obey my commandments" (John 14:15 TEV).

-Rick Warren

http://profile.purposedriven.com:80/dailyhope/post.html?contentid=4408

Give God Your Best

“God shaped you for a purpose and he expects you to make the most of what you've been given. He doesn't want you to worry about or covet abilities that you don't have. Instead he wants you to focus on talents he has given you to use... The best use of your life is to serve God out of your shape. To do this you must discover your shape, learn to accept and enjoy it, and then develop it to its fullest potential. The Bible says, "Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do." (Ephesians 5:17 NLT) Don't let another day go by. Start finding out and clarifying what God intends for you to be and do.”

- Rick Warren

http://profile.purposedriven.com/dailyhope/post.html?contentid=3440

Everybody Surrenders to Something

"Though he was God, he did not demand and cling to his rights as God, but laid aside his mighty power and glory, taking the disguise of a slave and becoming like men" - Philippians 2:6-7 (LB)

Everybody surrenders to something or someone in life. If not to God, you'll surrender to popular opinion, to money, to resentment or fear, or to your own pride, lust, and ego.

We were designed to worship something, and when we fail to worship God, we create gods (idols) to surrender ourselves to. E. Stanley Jones said, "If you don't surrender to Christ, you surrender to chaos." You're free to choose what you surrender to, but you're not free from the consequences of that choice: "So give yourselves completely to God" (James 4:7 NCV).

Surrender is not the best way to live; it is the only way to live. Nothing else works. All other approaches lead to frustration, disappointment, and self-destruction.

The King James Version of Romans 12:1 calls surrender "your reasonable service." The Contemporary English Version translates it: "the most sensible way to serve God."

Surrendering your life is not a foolish emotional impulse but a rational, intelligent act, the most responsible and sensible thing you can do with your life. Your wisest moments will be those when you say yes to God: "So we make it our goal to please him ..." (2 Corinthians 5:9 NIV).

Sometimes it takes years, but eventually you discover the greatest hindrance to God's blessing in your life is not others, it is yourself - your self will, stubborn pride, and personal ambition. You cannot fulfill God's purposes for your life while focusing on your own plans. If God is going to do his deepest work in you, it will begin with this.

So give it all to God: your past regrets; your present problems; your future ambitions; your fears, dreams, weaknesses, habits, hurts, and hang-ups. Put Christ in the driver's seat of your life and take your hands off the steering wheel. Don't be afraid; nothing under his control can ever be out of control.

Mastered by Christ, you can handle anything: "I am ready for anything and equal to anything through him who infuses inner strength into me. I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency" (Philippians 4:13 AMP).

You may worry, "What if I stumble or relapse?"

If? You will stumble in pleasing God! No one can live a perfectly surrendered life except Jesus.
But God has provided for the inevitability of your sin: "If you do sin, there is someone to plead for you before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who pleases God completely" (1 John 2:1 LB).

Sunday May 02 2010 12:00 AM
Posted by Rick Warren

When you pray, give your worries to God

Give us today the food we need. Matthew 6:11 (TEV)

Once you have given God your love and your life, Jesus teaches you can give him your worries by asking God to provide for your needs and the trusting that he will provide.
For instance, we can ask God to give us the food we need each day. Some translations say, "Give us this day our daily bread."

What is "daily bread"? It is the necessities of life -- our physical and material needs that we're always worrying about. God wants you to ask him to provide those things so you don't have to worry about them. He's promised to provide all your needs: "My God shall supply all of your needs." (Philippians 4:19)

What do you need today? Energy to make it through the day? Finances? Wisdom? You've got two alternatives: panic or pray. Philippians 4:6 says: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

Do you really believe this verse? God says you can pray about everything. Nothing is too great for God's power. Nothing is too insignificant for His care. Anything worth worrying about is worth praying about. If we prayed as much as we worried, we'd have a lot less to worry about! Give God your worries.

-Rick Waren